Amanda Gabriele's 5 Fave Local Bars (Fort Greene)

Everyone knows I love bar-hopping all over NYC...but after a long day, sometimes I just want to kick back at a local watering hole to decompress. The good news is that I live in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, which is festooned with kick ass bars for every type of mood. Here are my favorites bars in my 'hood.

1

Photo Credit: Chilo's Patio and Truck | Photo by Brooklyn Based

Chilo's

This awesome little Mexican inspired bar has a nice selection of agave spirits—I almost always go for the raicilla flight when I'm there. They have frozen Margaritas that aren't too sweet, and the chorizo and egg tacos from the truck (see photo) parked out back are killer.

2

Photo Credit: Diamond Reef Bar | Photo Credit Diamond Reef

Diamond Reef

You won't even feel like you're in NYC when you're chilling in this latest tropical paradise-themed bar from Sam Ross. Come with friends for the frozen drinks on the patio, but don’t leave without trying the Spicy Flamingo—a tequila and watermelon cocktail with a nice kick. Amazing.

3

Photo Credit: Grand Army Oysters | Photo Credit Grand Army

Grand Army

It's plain to see why this unpretentious neighborhood haunt run by industry veterans Damon Boelte and Carissa Clay is so popular among industry and lay folk alike. Reasonable cocktails and killer seafood served by a cheerful staff is a welcome respite in this occasionally snooty part of BK.

4

Photo Credit: Karasu Bar | Photo Credit Karasu

Karasu

Karasu is a Japanese-style speakeasy, or izakaya, which you’ll find through the back door of another one of my favorite neighborhood spots, Walter's. It is hands down my favorite hangout in my neighborhood, so don’t tell too many people about it. The drinks here are next level.

5

Photo Credit: Dynaco | Photo Credit Time Out

Dynaco

This is the kind of spot that reminds me of a typical bar in my hometown of Cleveland. It's dark and cozy, the bartender makes a killer Old Fashioned, and the owner's wife bakes a cake every day that's sold by the slice. What’s not to love?